Former eyesore set to be community garden

Volunteers who have transformed a former rubbish-strewn village eyesore are now looking at plans to turn it into a community garden.
The new-look Milton of Campsie stationThe new-look Milton of Campsie station
The new-look Milton of Campsie station

In recent months a number of clean-ups have seen the former train station at Milton of Campsie turned from a underage drinking den to a part of the village residents can be proud of.

Several skips-worth of rubbish have been removed, while broken slabs have been replaced and vegetation removed.

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Borders have now been prepared, while there’s even a new bench courtesy of local MP Gregg McClymont.

But the organisers are refusing to rest on their laurels and are hoping to make the area a long-term resource for the whole village.

A spokesperson said: “Wouldn’t it be absolutely brilliant to have a community garden in Milton of Campsie?

“I’m aware of the great work in the West End of Glasgow, at Woodlands Community Garden, and I think having a community garden in our village located at the station would be tremendous.”

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The Woodlands garden was created from a similar plot of unloved land four years ago and now gives local people the chance to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in raised beds.

Other parts of the garden are used for social, cultural and environmental events - with every piece of work carried out by dedicated volunteers.

And the potential army of gardeners have now won support from East Dunbartonshire Council, who has pledged support.

A council spokesperson said: “We recognise the good work already achieved to date by the villagers of Milton of Campsie and would be pleased to help further with the improvement works carried out at the station.

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“An excellent job has been done so far, particularly with the clearing of the site, stonework and the installation of a new bench, along with the planning of regular Improvement Days for volunteers. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by the group should be commended, and we’d encourage more residents to give a helping hand and improve their local greenspaces.”

The next improvement day is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 10am.